Lab Administration Research Technician – Gadagkar Lab Full-time

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and professionals. Together, we’re unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science.

The lab of Dr. Vikram Gadagkar, at Columbia University, is seeking a Lab Administration Research Technician to support research activities and lead day-to-day lab operations. The Gadagkar lab’s goal is to combine the advantages of the songbird courtship system with state-of-the-art computational, theoretical, and experimental approaches to discover how brains evaluate behaviors, both self-generated and the behaviors of others. By discovering fundamental principles of brain function, they aim to provide insight into neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and autism. More information about the lab team and their work can be found by visiting

This position is expected to begin after October 1, 2025 in concurrence with Dr. Gadagkar’s upcoming appointment as a .

About the Lab Administration Research Technician role:
You will hold an integral role within the lab as the ‘go-to’ person – coordinating the day-to-day operations involved in running the lab smoothly and serving as both the administrative partner to Dr. Gadagkar and the primary liaison between the lab and various external groups (Columbia administrative offices, EH&S, HHMI science operations offices, vendors, etc.). You will have a background in research and lab operations/administration and be committed to fostering a respectful, thriving, collaborative work environment. You are someone who exhibits strong communication skills, can multitask, has great time management skills, and has a desire to be a part of a robust scientific community. This role is best fit for someone who is proactive in their work style, adaptable to change, passionate about the research that the lab is conducting, and looking for a long-term, stable career experience.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Joining the highly dynamic and vibrant Columbia/Zuckerman Institute research community.
• Full access to HHMI’s on-demand training courses and interactive skill-building seminars, led by members of our learning and organization development team.
• Opportunities for professional development, career growth, and direct mentorship from Dr. Gadagkar.
• Opportunities to learn new scientific techniques to further strengthen your skills and knowledge.

What you’ll do:

• Manage the care and general oversight of the lab’s bird colony in partnership with other lab team members.
• Perform day-to-day research support duties including histology, electrophysiology, animal husbandry, and data analysis.
• Initiate and manage purchase orders for the lab while keeping track of supplies and expenditures on a daily/weekly/monthly basis.
• Serve as primary point of contact for the lab, including close coordination with vendors, regulatory authorities, and Columbia administrative staff for service contracts, inspections, lab equipment maintenance, repairs, infrastructure needs, space allocation, etc.
• Manage and update animal protocols, SOPs, and other lab documentation as needed.
• Assist with planning and execution of lab meetings, events, and team activities.

What you bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in the life sciences is required.
• Previous research experience and lab administrative/operations support experience is required.
• Previous experience with animal husbandry and data analysis is required.
• Previous experience with electrophysiology would be a plus.
• Strong sense of self-motivation, integrity, trustworthiness, and demonstrated ability to work well in an inclusive environment with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.
• Passion for efficiency, operational excellence, and process improvement.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and high attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks according to lab needs.
• Strong knowledge of computers, Microsoft Office Suite, and other relevant technologies.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. #LI-NG1

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our site to learn more.

Compensation Range
$22.61 (minimum) – $28.27 (midpoint) – $36.77 (maximum)

Pay Type:
Hourly

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate’s education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal consistency when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

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Tagged as: Life Sciences